Because at the end of the day, that’s really what us mama’s want. So I’ll get straight to it mama - 4 must-haves for a better sleeping baby.
Must-Have Number One: Sound Machine
You’ll notice a common theme throughout these must-haves. We are trying to imitate the womb as much as possible because this is what the baby is used to and where they got pretty good at sleeping. While it might not seem like it, the womb is pretty loud! Between the blood running through your vessels and the movement of your stomach and intestines, the sound reached in the womb is really similar to background noise in an apartment next to a train. This is why a sound machine is a must!
Must-Have Number Two: Black Out Curtains
I know it’s not always possible to have your baby nap or sleep in their own room but wherever they’re sleeping primarily, black out curtains are a huge help. Do you know how dark it is in the womb? It’s pretty dark. So the darker the better! This is especially helpful for day time naps and for eliminating your baby waking up when the sun rises.
Must-Have Number Three: Swaddle
I hear alot of different opinions about the swaddle but I suggest you try it out for yourself. Most mom’s who think negatively about the swaddle do so because when they tried it, it’s either wrong or their baby fights it so they chalk it up to, “my baby doesn't like to be swaddled”. While I don’t think it’s the baby’s favorite thing in the world, by the time they fall asleep, they're happy to be swaddled. Why? Because being swaddled prevents sudden waking from those muscle jerks babies do all the time and it also resembles the womb where there is little to no room to move!
Must-Have Number Four: Proper Wake Time
Number four is the most difficult to achieve but it’s a game changer. According to your baby’s age, there is an appropriate time to be awake in order for them to get great sleep. For example, a 3 month old should be spending time awake alot less than a 10 month old. As your baby grows, their ability to stay awake while still getting great naps/sleep, lengthens. Some quick tips for assessing when baby’s wake time is over: yawns, eye rubbing, ear tugging, and fussiness. Ideally, you want your baby to be swaddled, sound machine on, black out curtains drawn before any of the above happens. If you have no idea where to start, there are plenty of articles with suggest wake times but it will be a little bit of trial and error!
There ya have it! Get that baby sleeping so you can get sleeping too, mama!
Also no way Im writing this blog post and not sharing a picture of my baby. So here you go, Wiley Jo napping hard and cute 😍